The Magic & Medicine of Violets

Ah, violets, so pretty! And so much more than just a charming little herald of springtime. Their use in medicine, food and cosmetics dates back at least 2500 years. In fact, some herbalists feel that the health benefits of the violet (Viola odorata) are such as to make its physical beauty of secondary importance.

Medicinally, it is an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient, expectorant, laxative, and may also be anti-tumor. Food-wise, violet leaves are used in puddings, jellies and salads. The blossoms can also be added to salads, or candied (sugar-coated) and used as a garnish for desserts. But their most popular use through the ages is probably “Violet Blossom Syrup,” which can be poured over ice cream, etc., or used as a base for iced drinks.

The Recipe (violet syrup): Start with enough deep purple wild violets to fill a 16-32 oz. glass jar. Rinse in cold water and remove the stems and calyxes. Pack the blossoms into the jar and fill it almost to the brim with boiling water. Cover, let stand overnight, and strain out the violets the next morning. For each cup of liquid you have, stir in 1¾ cups of sugar plus the juice from half a lemon. Bring this mixture to a boil; then remove from heat, let cool, pour into a sterile bottle, and refrigerate or freeze. (It should keep in the frig for up to six months—but if it ferments, discard.) To make a “Violet Cooler,” pour a little of the syrup over ice in a glass and add spring water or carbonated water to taste.

In magical lore the violet belongs to the water element and is governed by Venus. It’s used in protection spells and for luck, love, lust, healing, and peace. Carry the flowers for protection against “wykked sperytis” and to change your luck. Mix them with lavender for a love stimulant. Wear the leaves in a green sachet bag to help wounds heal, and the flowers in a chaplet on the head to cure headaches and dizziness (the ancient Greeks wore it to soothe tempers). And—here’s a fun thought—if you are lucky enough to gather the First Violet of Spring, ‘tis said that your dearest wish will be granted!

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[DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is offered primarily for reference and personal enrichment. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for the advice of a licensed health-care practitioner. Since the actual use of herbs, therapies, etc. by others is beyond the author’s and publisher’s control, NO expressed or implied guarantee as to their effects can be given, nor liability taken.]